A transparent liquid that is absorbed by leather, aniline dye is used in a tanning method in which the leather does not receive any coating of pigmented finish. This results in a porous, smooth surface that clearly displays the texture of the animal hide, giving it a natural look. Often manufactured with high-quality hides that have few natural markings, this process is used to dye absorbent leathers such as suede and nubuck. Aniline-dyed leather is more susceptible to water marks, stains, and fading—as a result of its porous and sensitive surface—and it can also be called “Napa leather” or even “soft leather.”
